Class of ‘26 Fall Update: Highlighting 12 Stock Risers

The Class of ‘26 fall update has been published just in time before the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. This year's senior class has put on quite the show this fall, and several prospects have earned a higher ranking since the July update.    Most of the movement folks will see came within the Top 100. There were more than five players that cracked this group, while a number of current members in the Top 100 saw a sizable increase in rank. This group of 12 were some of the highest stock risers this time around. Take a look at the progress they've made.    [player_tooltip player_id='1591265' first='Blake' last='Jay'] - Mill Valley, 6'0”, 170, ATH   The success Jay has had during his senior season is no surprise. The writing was on the wall with how he performed as a junior. What is surprising is how well he's commanded Mill Valley's offense in his first season starting at quarterback. He's accounted for over 1,300 yards of total offense and 21 touchdowns, which has helped the Jaguars pick up five wins thus far. His play has landed him inside the Top 50 at No. 40 overall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1660346' first='Griffin' last='Baker'] - Wichita Northwest, 6'3”, 190, WR   Baker also made his way into the Top 50 after climbing several spots to No. 47 overall. The 6-foot-3 wideout has been the top target for Wichita Northwest's high flying offense. So far he's hauled in over 30 catches and has over 500 yards this season. Lately he's been receiving interest from a wide range of collegiate programs. The offers are sure to start coming in.    [player_tooltip player_id='1402672' first='Benji' last='Burton'] - Olathe East, 6'4”, 200, DB   It's been a frustrating season for Olathe East. However, Burton has been able to make the most of it. This season he's truly been able to showcase his athleticism and versatility. Burton's play in the secondary has continued to be exceptional, but this season he's emerged as a key contributor for East's offense as well. He nearly cracked the Top 50 in this update as he climbed to No. 52 overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='780458' first='Conrad' last='Gomez'] - Junction City, 6'0”, 180, QB   After finishing at .500 in 2024, Junction City has emerged as one of the top teams in Class 6A this season. One of the reasons for this improvement has been because of [player_tooltip player_id='780458' first='Conrad' last='Gomez']'s play. Our staff knew he was a talented quarterback early in his career, and he's taken his game to another level in his final high school season. He's now the 6th ranked signal caller in the class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1598862' first='Syre' last='Padilla'] - Gardner-Edgerton, 6'2”, 195, RB   As he's done since his debut, Padilla of Gardner-Edgerton continues to climb to new heights. He moved up to No. 64 overall and is now the 9th ranked running back in the class. The Pitt State-commit has put together another great season and has helped lead the reigning 6A state champions to a 5-2 record.   [player_tooltip player_id='1228884' first='Reece' last='Tolar'] - Cheney, 6'4”, 210, LB/ATH    Our next rankings riser is a prospect that needs be to immediately added to every college coach's recruiting list. Tolar of Cheney has arguably been one of the best all-around players in Class 3A this season. He's once again looked impressive at linebacker, but he's also performed at a high level under center for the Cardinals. In this update he rose to No. 66 overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1593671' first='Jesiah' last='Gooch'] - Hillsboro, 6'2”, 215, ATH   Another small-school gem that's been tearing it up on both sides of the ball this season is Gooch of Hillsboro. Through seven games the Washburn-commit is averaging 129 rushing yards per game and has recorded over 80 total tackles. Gooch moved up to No. 72 overall and is now the 10th ranked athlete in the class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1401805' first='Ethan' last='Prescott'] - Free State, 6'2”, 200, DB   I mentioned back in April that Prescott was primed to rise in the rankings this season and so far his play has backed up that praise. Prescott and the Firebirds' defense have been tested this season but they've found ways to get key stops and they sit at 5-2 heading into Week 8. He recently announced his commitment to the University of Nebraska-Kearny, and is now the 79th ranked prospect overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1322071' first='Brecken' last='Albert'] - Augustus, 87   Albert was a breakout star last year and he's followed up his impressive junior season with a great senior campaign. In Week 8 he's set to eclipse 700 yards receiving, and he's found the end zone seven times thus far. He's not only one of the top wideouts in Class 4A, but in the entire state as well. Albert moved up to become the 9th ranked receiver in the class.    [player_tooltip player_id='1294846' first='Sasha' last='Pichnenko'] - Paola, 5'11”, 185, WR   The second wideout in this report has quietly put together a quality season. Pichnenko of Paola moved up to No. 130 overall and is now the 16th ranked receiver in the class. One of the top performances of his senior campaign came in Week 6 when he turned eight catches into 190 yards and two touchdowns.    [player_tooltip player_id='1402690' first='Kaleb' last='Peterson'] - Blue Valley Northwest, 6'3”, 235, ATH   One spot behind Pichnenko is Peterson of Blue Valley Northwest. Peterson has arguably been the Huskies' top defender this season as he's second on the team in total tackles with 50, and tied for first with three sacks. His strong senior campaign has moved him up to No. 131 overall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1401808' first='Ty' last='Willits'] - Maize, 6'3”, 190, DB   Closing out this group of 12 is the 168th ranked prospect overall. Willits has been a key leader in Maize's secondary this season. Even against quality competition the Eagles are only allowing 15 points per game, and Willits has broken up 16 passes in the process. Multiple programs are starting to take note of the 6-foot-3 safety's game.

The Class of ‘26 fall update has been published just in time before the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. This year's senior class has put on quite the show this fall, and several prospects have earned a higher ranking since the July update.